The Year In Review: Blonde Redhead

"This record is wondrous." - Time Out (4/5) "An icy masterclass in how synths should sound." - NME (8/10) "The band's most breathtaking album to date." - VENUS (5/5) "A significant, evocative force 15 years into its career." - MAGNET

This fall New York trio Blonde Redhead returned with the release of Penny Sparkle, their third album for 4AD. Released in September, Penny Sparkle marked another sonic twist in their already adventurous canon. Made over the last year in between New York and Stockholm with production duo Van Rivers and The Subliminal Kid, the album saw them stretching their sound out into new territories.

The distinctive accompanying artwork was designed by long-time collaborators Stefanie and David from Triboro Design, who in addition to designing CD and vinyl versions, was also available as a deluxe, limited edition boxset.

The band went on to tour Europe followed by a handful of shows in China, before they returning to their adopted home of the US for a large tour of North America.

In amongst the grueling touring schedule, Blonde Redhead were also the sixth band to record for the 4AD Session series. Shot at Integrated Studios in Tribeca, New York on 11th August 2010, their session saw them joined by Henrik Von Sivers, one half of album production duo Van Rivers and The Subliminal Kid. With sparse lighting helping furnish a suitably ethereal ambience, the band showcased their emotionally resonant music in an environment more intimate than fans may have traditionally been accustomed to. View the full set at the 4AD Session website here.